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Maharashtra

Mumbai Bars & Restaurants to Shut on July 14 as Hospitality Sector Protests Tax Hikes

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Mumbai, July 12, 2025 – In a strong show of dissent, thousands of bars, restaurants, and permit rooms across Maharashtra will remain shut on Monday, July 14, following a statewide bandh announced by the Indian Hotels and Restaurants Association (AHAR). The protest is directed against a series of recent tax hikes that industry leaders say are threatening the survival of the state’s hospitality sector.

A Triple Tax Blow

The bandh comes in response to three major financial setbacks imposed on the industry this year:

  • Excise duty on liquor has been increased by 60%
  • Value Added Tax (VAT) on liquor has been doubled from 5% to 10%
  • Annual license fees have seen a 15% hike

According to AHAR, this combination has dealt a “death blow” to many small and mid-sized hospitality businesses that were already struggling to recover from the long-lasting effects of the pandemic.

Industry Under Pressure

Maharashtra’s hospitality sector is one of the largest in India, employing over 20 lakh people and supporting nearly 50,000 vendors. With operating costs already high, the additional taxes are pushing many outlets into financial crisis.

“This is not just about taxes. It’s about survival,” said AHAR President Sudhakar Shetty. “We are being squeezed from all sides—rising costs, tax hikes, and slowing customer footfall. If the government does not roll back these policies, many businesses will be forced to shut permanently.”

Widespread Participation Expected

More than 20,000 bars and restaurants, including nearly 8,000 in the Mumbai region, are expected to participate in the bandh. The protest will also see support from other hospitality and trade bodies, making it one of the largest coordinated shutdowns the sector has witnessed in recent years.

An Appeal for Relief

Industry leaders have called upon the Maharashtra government, including Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar, to immediately reconsider the tax hikes. AHAR has warned that if no corrective action is taken, this one-day token strike could be followed by an indefinite shutdown.

“We do not want confrontation. We want survival and fair treatment. The hospitality industry contributes significantly to the state’s economy and tourism. We deserve a chance to operate sustainably,” Shetty added.

What This Means for Consumers

On July 14, patrons can expect:

  • Most bars and permit rooms across Maharashtra to remain closed
  • Limited food and beverage services at restaurants that serve alcohol
  • Possible delays in supply chains connected to the hospitality trade

Conclusion

The July 14 bandh marks a critical moment for Maharashtra’s hospitality sector. With livelihoods and local economies at stake, industry leaders are hoping this unified protest will push the state government toward a more balanced and sustainable taxation policy. Until then, the heat is on—and not just in the kitchens.

Maharashtra

Mumbai: 70 to 80 guests of the wedding feast in Nahor fell ill with food poisoning, police continue investigation, FDA collects samples

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70 to 80 guests have been admitted to the hospital after they fell sick during a feast in Mumbai Mumbai Nahoor wedding ceremony In this case FDA has obtained the sample of the food and the police have also started investigation in this case Food report case Police will register a case in this case it has been confirmed by DCP Abhay Sinha Deshmukh here A wedding ceremony was held at Nalanda Buddha Vihar Hall in Nahore West on 1st November 2026 happened About 400 to 500 people attended the event. It is suspected that between 70 to 100 people who attended the last round of the meal suffered food poisoning. When symptoms appeared, they were admitted to hospitals for medical treatment.

Out of them, 22 persons have been admitted to Agarwal Hospital in Milind, 4 children have been admitted to Kamagar Hospital in Milind, and 5 persons have been admitted to a hospital in Vikhroli.
All the patients are currently in stable condition and are undergoing treatment. Concerned authorities are monitoring the situation and taking necessary action. Police will soon register an FIR in this matter.

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Maharashtra

A young man was safely pulled out of the sea by the diligence of the Mumbai police.

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In Mumbai, an alert Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) saved a man who was attempting suicide; the officer’s timely intervention proved instrumental in preserving a precious life. On November 2, the Mumbai Police rescued an individual who had attempted suicide by entering the sea. Shortly after midnight on November 2, the Mumbai Police Control Room received a report that a man had entered the sea in the Worli Koliwada area with the intention of taking his own life. Upon receiving the information, Police Constable Pawar (Beat Marshal 1) and the Sub-Inspector immediately arrived at the specified location in Worli Koliwada. On arrival, they observed a man in the sea. Realizing that the individual’s life was in danger, Constable Pawar and the Sub-Inspector entered the water and took action to bring him out. As a result of their efforts, the man was safely pulled from the sea. Subsequently, they identified the individual and gathered the necessary details regarding the incident. They also assessed his physical condition and ensured that he received immediate medical attention. Thanks to their timely arrival and prompt action, a potential loss of life was averted. This information was provided by Senior Police Inspector Balkrishna Ghadigaonkar of the Dadar Police Station, Mumbai.

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Maharashtra

‘Fight between Sharia and Constitution’: Maha Minister targets INDIA Bloc over Ramlila Maidan rally

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Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane on Monday alleged that the INDIA Bloc wanted to introduce Sharia law in the country and accused its leaders of opposing the Constitution drafted by Babasaheb Ambedkar.

Speaking to reporters, Rane said democracy and the constitutional framework must be protected, alleging that the opposition alliance wanted to dismantle the existing democratic system.

“Democracy must be protected, shouldn’t it? The people of the INDIA Bloc want to introduce Sharia law in our country. The INDIA alliance is opposed to Babasaheb Ambedkar and his Constitution, isn’t it? That is why they do not want the Election Commission or the Supreme Court. They want to dismantle the entire constitutional framework and democratic system so that they can introduce Sharia law in the country. This is what the INDIA Bloc leaders are doing,” he said.

“This is a fight between Sharia and the Constitution, and we are fighting to protect the latter. We stand with the Constitution. That is why, under the leadership of Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde, we are organising rallies,” he said.

Rane also criticised the INDIA Bloc’s rally at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi, claiming that it failed to attract a significant crowd.

“The fact that people did not turn up was clearly visible. There are several videos showing empty chairs, with hardly anyone visible even in the distance. If the hero of a film itself is a flop, the film is bound to flop too. That is why the show they tried to put on at Ramlila Maidan has completely flopped,” he said.

Reacting to the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on Shiv Tandav and Shiv Bharat during the rally, Rane said anyone could participate in such celebrations, reflecting the inclusive nature of Sanatan Hindu Dharma.

However, he questioned whether Hindus were equally welcome to participate in Eid and Muharram celebrations and said Gandhi should have asked the Muslim League leaders and clerics present on the stage about it.

Rane also reacted to Bollywood actress Dia Mirza’s social media post advising people to celebrate Diwali in an environment-friendly manner.

“The kind of tweet Dia Mirza has posted about Diwali, and the kind of advice she is giving, is something we never see her doing during Eid, Muharram or Bakrid. Whenever Holi or Diwali comes around, people are advised to celebrate in an environment-friendly manner. Try asking people to observe an environment-friendly Ramadan or celebrate an environment-friendly Bakrid. Then we will believe that they are giving the right advice to everyone equally,” he said.

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